“A Luna is a rare thing in this world. You’re stronger than us for two very important reasons.” He pauses, looking at my men, and I frown.
“Because I can have multiple mates who’d defend me?”
“No, Delilah. Because a Luna is capable of inspiring loyalty in a way most males are not. By nature, a Luna is more nurturing and compassionate, and when fighting for her pack, fierce beyond measure. And because you have a natural dominance that could force even the strongest males to their knees,” Dean says, with so much pride in his voice, that my Wolf perks up, and my body heats with desire.
“Fucking hell, flower…” Coal groans, turning away from us for a moment, and my eyes go wide when Alpha Nero flinches, adjusting the front of his jeans. Oh, my god…
“Apologies, Luna Delilah. I am not used to such a strong scent. I’ve never met a Luna before.” Nero’s voice is strained, and I want to hide.
“Oh.” I adjust the way I’m sitting, closing my legs, and my mother snorts a very unladylike laugh. I narrow my eyes at the woman, and give her a look that says, would you shut up?
“That’s not going to do anything,” she offers unhelpfully, and I glare at her, before blushing when I realize Daniel is trying very hard not to breathe, as he buries his nose in my mother's hair.
“Maybe Matteo should escort Delilah to our tent, whilewe finish discussing the next steps?” Coal offers, and everyone jumps to their feet, agreeing.
“Good idea,” Nero says, taking a few steps away from me, and I wince. Jeez.
Daniel puts my mother on her feet when he stands and walks over to me.
“I look forward to getting to know you better, Delilah.” He bows low, a sign of submission, and smiles up at me softly. “I also look forward to running with you.”
I only have memories of this man in his Wolf form, and that was a very long time ago, so it will be nice to get to know the man, too. I always assumed my father was dead. I certainly never thought he was a Wolf.
“We’ll speak tomorrow,” my mother says, before kissing my forehead, looking just a little like the woman I remember from so long ago.
“I love you, Mama,” I whisper, just for her, before pulling her delicate body against me. I still find so much comfort when I hold my mother. I think I’ll always need her. It doesn’t matter if I’m a Luna now.
“I love you more than anything, Delilah.”
“This is your tent,” the cranky Wolf from earlier snaps, pushing the tent flap open. I follow Matteo inside, ignoring the small but sassy woman. Maybe she’s just naturally grouchy.
“Oh, this is nice,” I say as I step into the tent, but as the fabric door shuts behind me, and the she-Wolf is gone, Matteo spins me around and scoops me into his arms, holding me tightly. He buries his face against the crook of my neck, and I lean into him.
“Fuck, I was so scared you’d die. Then when you shifted, and I sensed your Luna, I was worried you wouldn’t claim me. All I’ve ever wanted was to get you out of that pack, but now you’re stronger than I am! If we can get rid of Michael, you’ll always be safe.” Matteo’s voice shakes with emotion, and I pull back, so I can look up into his eyes.
“I’ve missed you. I’m glad you came for me. I don’t know if any of this would have happened if you hadn’t.”
“Coal would have bitten you, eventually. He’s the one who had been in contact with Nero, but we never told him our plan to save you. He had one of his own. He was going to blow his life up, one way or another.” The way Matteo sticks up for Coal makes me smile.
“Still, I’m glad you’re here.” I reach up and wrap my hands around his neck, pulling him down to me. I don’t know how much time we have before the others get back here, but I don’t care. I want him now.
When I kiss him, it’s sweet at first. We explore each other for a moment, but as we do, a fire ignites inside me, and my desire to have my mate inside me grows. His winter scent is stronger now, making me a bit dizzy with lust, and I pull back, looking up at him.
“Fuck, Delilah, I need you,” he whispers, and I nod in agreement before taking a step back and pulling the pink dress Quil had given me off quickly. I don’t want to waste even one moment. Matteo stares at my body, and I smile as he blushes.
“Take your clothes off, Bunny,” I smirk at his reaction to my nickname for him. He looks annoyed but much too turned on to really care. “Make love to me, mate,” I whisper.
I bite my lip and watch as Matteo pulls his shirt off, and then pushes the sweatpants down his legs. His dickis large and very hard, and I nibble my lip, wondering if this will hurt. He’s the longest of the four men, and I think about how Quil’s fingers had felt inside me.
Matteo looks nervous. Even more nervous than I feel, despite how desperately I want him. I frown, taking several steps toward him until our bodies press together.
“This is my first time,” I whisper, and Matteo nods.
“Mine too.” That surprises me, and I can’t keep the shock from showing on my face. “I’ve been in love with you since we were kids. Do you know why I wouldn’t shift when we were sixteen? I wanted to claim you, and the only thing stopping me was being in my Wolf form. I barely have control now, but at sixteen? When your hormones are all fucked up? You were like a wet dream come to life,” Matteo admits, and I blush.
“But why didn’t you… I mean, you could have found someone else?” I ask, but Matteo shakes his head.
“There was never anyone else for me, Delilah. And now, I’ll be yours for as long as we live.” Matteo reaches up and gently touches the mark I left on his shoulder, and I smile.
